Government to Form Panel to Monitor National Energy Policy

The government will soon constitute a committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to oversee implementation of the proposed National Energy Policy which aims to promote energy independence.

The National Energy Policy, prepared by government think tank NITI Aayog after extensive consultations over the last one-and-a-half years, will replace the Integrated Energy Policy of the UPA regime, and lay the road map for the government push aggressively towards clean energy and reduce fuel import.

“The National Energy Policy envisages interventions across multiple ministries over an extended period of time till 2040. This will call for a standing arrangement for overseeing its implementation,” a senior NITI Aayog official told ET, adding that the idea is to monitor progress of the proposals contained in the National Energy Policy and also coordinate the efforts of different ministries.

The top-level steering committee will include ministers of the relevant ministries and will be serviced by the NITI Aayog. Asecond panel, comprising secretaries of concerned ministries and headed by NITI Aayog’s CEO Amitabh Kant, will help in inter-ministerial coordination for smooth implementation of the proposals.

According to the draft NEP, which is up for public view, the period 2017-2040 is expected to witness a quantum leap in the uptake of renewable energy, drastic reduction in energy intensity, doubling of per capita energy consumption and tripling of per capita electricity consumption.

“It is expected that implementation of the NEP would cater to wider consumer choices, and provide level playing field, competitive economy and energy security to India by 2040,” the draft policy has said.

The overarching policy recommendations are based on India’s energy targets for 2040. The policy has proposed early action to achieve Modi’s bold announcements in the energy sector for the year 2022, as well as India’s NDCs (nationally determined contributions) for which the target year is 2030.

The policy has proposed interventions across sectors to rapidly reduce the gap on energy consumption parameters between the rural and urban areas, including 100% electrification and clean cooking coverage by 2022.

The policy recommends increased commerciality for energy producers, transporters and distributors, and envisages reduction in energy prices through efficient markets.

The policy also lays emphasis on energy efficiency, technology, regulatory oversight, effective overseas engagements, air quality considerations and human resource development in the energy domain.